IWSC announces shortlist for 2023 Old Vine Trophy

Launched in collaboration with The Old Vine Conference, the IWSC Old Vine Trophy recognises producers working to preserve and protect their heritage vineyards. During our wine awards entry process, all entrants were asked whether their vineyards could be categorised as ‘old vines’. Furthermore, all producers that listed their vineyards as having ‘old vine’ were asked to complete a questionnaire to provide the judges with more in-depth information on how they preserve and protect their old vines and spread awareness of the importance of nurturing heritage vineyards.

This year, our international judging panel was formed of Dirceu Vianna Junior MW, Independent Wine Consultant, Educator and Author; Rebecca Palmer, Associate Director at Corney & Barrow; Mick O’Connell MW, Portfolio Developer at Findlader & Co, Belinda Stone from The Old Vine Conference and Christelle Guibert, CEO of the IWSC.

Having thoroughly reviewed all applications, the judges noted that they had been impressed with the effort most entrants put into research and preservation of their old vines, as well as into educating their staff.  

The following producers have been shortlisted for the 2023 Old Vine Trophy:

• Cape Mentelle, Margaret River, Australia
• Clairault Streicker, Margaret River Australia
• Hester Creek Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Canada
• Le Bertole di Bortolin, Valdobbiadene, Italy
• Terre Paisible, Western Cape, South Africa

The Old Vine Trophy winner will be announced at our Awards Celebration on 19 October. The winner will be invited to take part in The Old Vine Conference 2023, where they will be interviewed about their work with old vines and what it means to them to have won the Old Vine Trophy.